New car tax changes set to be introduced next Spring have been blasted and described as a “slap in the face” for dozens of road users.
From April 2025, electric car owners will pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) fees for the first time despite previously being exempt.
Owners will pay the standard rate the same as petrol and diesel owners which currently stands at £190.
However, a top Conservative councillor has stressed the new fees would be a “serious and very disappointing step” for motorists.
Glen Sanderson, the leader of Conservative-led Northumberland County Council blasted the policy despite the Tories introducing the policy back in 2022.
Glen explained: “For many, the free road tax was the incentive to go for an electric car.
“The previous government deliberately did not change this tax to help the UK on its green promises. This is a slap in the face for climate change, and for all those who bought electric cars.”
However, electric car owners may be forced to pay even more as a result of the ‘luxury car tax’ fee.
Owners of cars valued over £40,000 will be forced to pay an extra £410 charge for five years after a car is first registered.
With the upfront costs of EVs a lot more than combustion models, it means many owners may be at risk of being hit with the extra charge.
This would put the total tax bill at a staggering £600 per year despite paying absolutely nothing up until now.
DVLA officials have previously explained the new charges are being introduced to make sure motorists pay a “fairer tax contribution”.
GOV.UK explained: “From 1 April 2025, drivers of electric and low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles do.
“This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles and will ensure all drivers begin to pay a fairer tax contribution.
“This new measure effectively removes band A under the graduated VED system which is currently £0. Vehicles in this band will be required to move to the first band where a rate becomes payable.”
Responding to Glen’s remarks, a spokesperson for The Treasury commented: “We are committed to supporting our automotive sector as we transition to electric vehicles in order to meet our legally binding climate targets.”
